It was the match not to be lost. In this duel of poorly classified, Racing came out on top at the last minute this Saturday afternoon (35-34) on its synthetic pitch at Paris La Défense Arena thanks in particular to a penalty at the very last minute from Antoine Gibert. The Ile-de-France club thus remains in the race for qualification for the final phase even though a defeat would have practically condemned it.
Rather well led by Gaël Fickou who had two or three things to prove, Racing dominated the start of the match. The three-quarter center not included in the list of 42 players called to prepare for the Six Nations Tournament and unveiled on Wednesday by coach Fabien Galthié indeed had ants in his legs. The Ciel et Blanc therefore attacked with all their feet and very quickly scored a try through their third line Nathan Hughes (6th, 7-0). But this thunderous start had a much more tumultuous aftermath for the Ile-de-France armada.
Lyon’s largesse
Little by little losing track of the match, she gave in for the first time on a try from LOU winger Jiuta Wainiqolo (34th, 10-10). It really took on water at the start of the second half. Leaving gaping holes in their defense, Patrice Collazo’s players suffered the assaults of the Lyonnais. The scrum half Baptiste Couilloud (42nd), then the three-quarter center Iosefo Masi (46th, 13-24), at the start and at the conclusion of a movement of almost 70 meters crossed the goal line.
Racing could have foundered. His merit is to have been able to take advantage of Lyon’s largesse. Karim Ghezal’s players indeed left a lot of ammunition on the way at the height of their domination phase. Third row Fabien Sanconnie, with a strong try (55th, 20-24) reignited the suspense.
A suspense which became breathtaking, two tries scored powerfully by Racing pillar Taniela Tupou (67th, 25-31 then 75th, 32-31) responding to that of LOU pillar Irakli Aptsiauri (65th). And Antoine Gibert’s penalty (80th) responding to that of Martin Méliande (77th)…
